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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Pterygium and Pseudopterygium?

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Pterygium and pseudopterygium are two different ocular surface disorders with distinct characteristics:

Pterygium:

  • Degenerative process, common in adults.
  • Horizontal growth, most frequently nasal, across the limbus invading Bowman's layer.
  • Attached to the cornea at every point along its length.
  • Can be progressive or stationary.
  • Caused by factors such as sun exposure, wind, dust, and chronic eye irritation.
  • Treatment includes surgery.

Pseudopterygium:

  • Inflammatory process, can occur at any age.
  • Can be located anywhere on the cornea, most frequently in an oblique orientation, and not adherent to the limbus.
  • Adhesion of the conjunctiva to the peripheral cornea, resulting from factors such as cicatrizing conjunctivitis, chemical burns, or chronic mechanical irritation.
  • Always stationary.
  • Treatment includes surgical excision.

The main difference between the two is that pterygium is a degenerative condition that invades Bowman's layer and is attached to the cornea at every point, while pseudopterygium is an inflammatory condition that causes adhesion of the conjunctiva to the peripheral cornea and is not adherent to the limbus.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Pterygium and Pseudopterygium?
  • Comparative Table: Pterygium vs Pseudopterygium

    • Comparative Table: Pterygium vs Pseudopterygium

    Pterygium and pseudopterygium are two different ocular surface disorders with distinct characteristics and causes. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

    Feature Pterygium Pseudopterygium
    Definition A progressive degenerative condition affecting the conjunctiva and cornea A non-progressive inflammatory condition resulting from trauma, cicatrizing conjunctivitis, chemical burns, or chronic mechanical irritation
    Location Horizontal, most frequently nasal, and grows across the limbus invading Bowman's layer Can be located anywhere, most frequently in an oblique orientation, and is not adherent to the limbus
    Attachment Attached to the cornea Not really attached to the cornea, with a plane of cleavage between the pseudopterygium mass and the underlying corneal tissue
    Age Common in adults Can occur at any age
    Cause Degenerative process Conjunctival adhesion to the peripheral cornea due to trauma, inflammation, or other factors

    It is essential to differentiate between pterygium and pseudopterygium to determine the appropriate treatment and management strategies for each condition.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.